Long Live

Cause I Know That It's Delicate

🍎 Applejack🍎

The hospital corridor was a maze of white doors and pale walls, lit by fluorescent lights that cast a cold glow over the floor. The room smelled of antiseptic and there was a silence broken only by the occasional sound of hurried footsteps and the constant beeping of monitoring machines. I hate hospitals.

Rarity appears in the corridor with two brown bags, she had gone out to get us a snack. I feel bad for "making her stay" here with me, I gave up asking her to leave at the twenty-fourth attempt.

She sits down next to me on the blue plastic chairs.

- Any news? - Rarity asks, placing the bags on the floor next to the chair and sitting down next to me.

I sigh, my shoulders relaxing a little as I confirm with a nod.

- Yes. Apple Bloom will be fine. Luckily, she only had a broken arm and sprained foot. They said she'll be able to leave early tomorrow morning.

Rarity takes me by surprise as she holds my hand, her grip comforting.

- Well, that's great. Here, I've brought you some snacks - Rarity hands me one of the bags - chicken sandwich and salad with, of course, apple juice. Your favorite.

I look at the bags and then back at Rarity, my eyes shining with gratitude. It was a simple gesture, but at that moment it meant the world to me.

- Thank you so much, sweetie.

We sat in silence, the ambient sound of the hospital filling the space between us. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Rarity slowly eating her snack. I look at mine and take just a few nibbles. Something was still bothering me.

- Applejack, I can see there's something else bothering you. What is it?

- I feel bad that I haven't been with Apple Bloom - I confess, turning to look at her - She asked me to go out with her, to the lake at the farm. I refused, my head was full and... Anyway, she went alone... And got hurt.

I shake my head, feeling the tears threatening to fall - I should have gone with her. Maybe this wouldn't have happened.

Rarity pulls me into a firm, comfortable hug. It doesn't seem like yesterday that I was comforting her, not the other way around.

- Applejack, darling, you can't blame yourself for this. Accidents happen, even when we're around the people we love. The important thing is that she'll be fine and you're here for her now.

I take a deep breath, feeling a little lighter with Rarity's words. I finally allow myself to relax, resting my head on her shoulder.

- Thank you again, Rarity. You have no idea how much this means to me.

Rarity smiles, running her hand through my hair in a comforting way.

- I'll always be here for you, Applejack. No matter what happens. Just as I know you'll always be with me.

We remain embraced for a moment, while the hospital corridor continues its quiet, steady pace.

Suddenly, Rarity's cell phone vibrates in her purse. She reaches out and picks it up, unlocking the screen. A message from Twilight appears.

- Hm, Twilight just sent me a message in the group - Rarity says, with a curious tone. She reads the message out loud - "Applejack, how are you? Is your sister okay?"

Rarity smiles - Sweet, I'll reply that Apple Bloom is fine, the others must be worried too.

I smile and pull away from the hug, letting her answer for me. However, I notice Rarity's expression quickly change from happy to worried.